You may have heard that bamboo contains cyanide, a poisonous compound to humans. Naturally, this is alarming, but is bamboo poisonous to humans? We're here to tell you no, bamboo is not toxic to humans.
Not only that, but it's a highly nutritious food to incorporate into your diet!
If you're still feeling nervous, let's state the facts here at the beginning: correctly prepared bamboo is perfectly safe to eat. Now, let's move on to the hows and whys and some other points.
While bamboo contains cyanide and cyanide is harmful, properly prepared bamboo is perfectly safe for human consumption. It's also a straightforward process to make it safe, so you will never die from eating bamboo.
You don't have to worry about whether or not bamboo is poisonous to humans.
Canned bamboo sold in stores is already processed, so you'll never have to worry there. Fresh bamboo will need to be prepared but can simply be processed by boiling or soaking overnight.
But in many Asian markets, fresh bamboo has already been processed. Inquire with your local grocer if you're concerned.
You are not in danger of death by consuming properly prepared bamboo.
The cyanide that naturally occurs in bamboo is poisonous to humans. But once you've prepared that bamboo (or purchased it prepared), it is an entirely safe food to eat.
There's very little to fear. In fact, cyanide is naturally occurring, and the compound is found in over 2,000 plant species. Some of these are plants used for food, and the preparation is the same as bamboo; thoroughly boil them to reduce their toxicity levels. Bamboo tableware is biodegradable and very environmentally friendly disposable tableware.
The shoots of green bamboo (and other types of edible bamboo) are safe for consumption. You just have to ensure the cyanide levels have been reduced. Various cooking methods are used to achieve this. Boiling is the most common.
